Chapter 4
When Holly made it into her office the next morning, she had two surprises waiting for her…well, one wasn’t really a surprise. Blythe was already poised in the seat across from Holly’s desk awaiting her arrival. Holly pretty much expected that. What she wasn’t expecting was the big bouquet of crimson red roses in the center of her desk with a card that read, ‘I enjoyed you last night…” There was no name on the card, but Holly knew whom they were from. She smiled.
The bouquet of roses was fuel for Blythe’s already blazing fire. She couldn’t wait to get every detail from Holly as to what had happened the night before. But before Blythe could begin, Julia hastily followed Holly into the office as if she had some pressing matter that had to be discussed immediately.
“Morning Mz. Jefferson,” Julia began.
She nodded in Blythe’s direction but failed to verbally acknowledge her.
“I have your schedule for today, and I have taken the liberty of reviewing the files you left on my desk. I have cross-referenced the information on the Bailey file as requested, and I uploaded the newest files into your system. The hard copies are on your desk,” Julia went on, moving swiftly around Holly’s office. She stopped before exiting, adjusting the glasses delicately balanced on the end of her nose.
“…Flowers… humph… nice…” she mumbled, almost grunting as if it pained her to see someone had left flowers for Holly.
“Humph they’re roses, not just flowers, baby!” Blythe began. “You two must have had a great night!”
She didn’t wait for Julia to close the door – intentionally. Holly placed her index finger to her lips, motioning for Blythe to contain herself. She didn’t want Blythe to say too much, at least not in earshot of Julia.
Holly did not immediately dignify Blythe’s inquiry with a response. Blythe was going to have to wait a few more minutes. Besides, this would give Holly time to consider whether or not she wanted to tell Blythe everything about what happened… the good and the really good. Holly positioned herself behind her desk, placed her purse in the lowest drawer, crossed her legs, folded her arms across her ample bosom, and waited without responding.
Blythe wasn’t sure what to make of Holly’s silence. She thought maybe once Holly had settled in she would begin spilling what had happened. But Holly was oddly silent.
“Holly?” Blythe said. “Are you seriously not going to tell me what happened?” she prodded.
After a few seconds of intense silence, Holly finally spoke.
“Of course I am going to give you all the details, Blythe,” she said with a sly smile emerging across her face. “I just wanted to see how long I could make you wait.”
Blythe returned the smile, “Well, I have certainly been patient… now spill!”
And Holly did. She recalled all the details of the date, including how gracious Trent had been - especially when she first arrived.
“I knew it!” Blythe gushed, “I knew you two were a match made in Heaven!”
“But there’s more Bly,” Holly said, the lightheartedness slowly dissipating from her voice.
Blythe immediately noticed the change in Holly’s tone.
“Don’t tell me…” Blythe replied, “Did he do something to fuck it up?”
“No, no, that’s not it at all,” Holly replied.
She had stopped short of telling Blythe about the kiss, what Trent had said, and the cadre of feelings she was having. There wasn’t much she kept from Blythe, and she wasn’t sure she would keep this from her either. But talking about it just now really brought Holly’s feelings to the forefront. She knew she kind of liked Trent, but now she was feeling, with time, it could be more than that.
But before she could say what she was thinking, Blythe cut in.
“Okay, as much as I want to talk about this right now, I really have to get back to my office and take care of a few things. Can we discuss the rest over a late lunch?”
Now Holly was going to be the one to have to wait.
“Sure Bly, that sounds great,” Holly replied. “I have some things I need to take care of as well, so a late lunch sounds great.”
After Blythe left to return to her office, Holly tried to buckle down and focus on the business at hand. She had a big meeting coming up in just a few weeks, and she most certainly wanted to be prepared. Making a good impression with this client could put her on the fast track to partnership, and Holly wanted that more than anything.
Holly dug into her work, leaving thoughts of Trent and their date waiting until later. It was hard, but she forced herself to focus. Before she knew it, Blythe was back at her door to remind her they had a lunch date.
Time had flown, and Holly was relieved to see Blythe standing there.
“Girl, you couldn’t have come at a better time!”
Blythe and Holly made their way to a little café just around the corner from their office building. They selected a table on the enclosed patio that offered a bit more privacy than in the main dining room.
After their drink orders were taken, Blythe picked up the conversation from right where they had left it earlier in the day.
“Okay Holly,” Blythe began. “Tell me what Mr. Right did that was so wrong.”
“Honestly Blythe, it wasn’t him,” Holly corrected, “Trent was the perfect gentleman”… ‘Almost too perfect,’ she thought to herself.
“Alright… so what am I missing then?” Blythe asked. “You keep saying how perfect the date was and how much of a gentleman Trent was, so I’m a little confused, Holly.”
“I am too,” Holly began. “Spending time with Trent was really nice. I mean, talking on the phone with him was good, but we really hit it off last night Blythe… I mean really hit it off.”
Holly knew she was being evasive, and that what she was saying really offered little explanation as to what was truly going on in her head.
Blythe cut through Holly’s ambiguous words, “Holly, are you feeling some way about Trent?”
Holly felt her face flush again, just like last night. She didn’t reply, but it was written all over her face and Blythe saw it.
“You didn’t Holly… did you?” Blythe asked, eyes wide, not sure what her friend was going to admit to next.
“No!” Holly said adamantly, “… but I wanted to.”
Blythe knew how big of a deal that was for Holly. Every since she had broken off the engagement, Holly had basically sworn off love; not willing to get close to anyone, not willing to take another chance on getting her heart broken. Holly had been driven and focused before her engagement, but after that break-up, Holly was laser focused on her career and nothing else. So Blythe was relieved to hear that Trent hadn’t messed things up.
“What’s so wrong with that, Holly?” she asked. “I mean, I know you’ve been hurt in the past… hell…we all have. The fact that Trent wasn’t bashful in showing you how he felt doesn’t surprise me. You have a lot of great things going for you. You’re smart, successful; you’re not too hard on the eyes…” Blythe said jokingly. She knew her friend was beautiful.
Holly smiled and Blythe continued, “Maybe Trent is the kind of guy who sees what he wants and goes after it. What’s so wrong with that? And what’s so wrong with you liking this dude? I mean, really, you’re a woman just like the rest of us… we all have needs… it’s natural, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I know… I know…” Holly replied. “I just don’t want to be hurt again. I mean, getting over Derrick was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do…and I don’t want to go through anything like that again if I can help it.”
“Holly you know I love you and I am not trying to bust your chops, but the guy just said he felt like he was falling for you, he didn’t say he was ready to walk down the marital aisle!”
Blythe could be so blunt, but Holly loved her for it. They both had to laugh at the situation.
“I can be a little neurotic… I know.” Holly admitted.
“Just try to relax Holly… relax and enjoy it,” Blythe continued. “Who knows? You may get laid after all… Lord knows it’s been long enough! Maybe that’s why you’re so uptight,” Blythe said laughingly. “It’s been too long since you had a lil’ piece!”
“Okay, Okay… I get it Blythe,” Holly said feeling the need to defend her reclaimed chastity.
“Everybody can’t be like you Ms. Blythe, with a ready-made piece at your beck and call!”
“Don’t be a hater now girl, you know that chastity thing just doesn’t work for me… I swear…”
The ladies couldn’t help but laugh. Blythe was right. She had never been good at being alone. From as far back as Holly could remember, Blythe always had a man, was looking for a man, or was replacing a man.
The two finished their lunch and headed back to the office, with Holly promising Blythe and herself that she was going to take it easy and enjoy the ride.
The next weekend, Holly and Trent decided to take in a late night movie. It had been a long week and Holly could use a little relaxation. Spending time with Trent was ‘just what the doctor ordered,’ Holly thought to herself. Holly had become increasingly comfortable with Trent. She began to trust him and open herself up to the possibilities. Was it too soon for her to get involved in a serious relationship? She wasn’t sure, but she was willing to take the chance.
Before their date, Trent and Holly had spoken on the phone. Originally, they planned to meet at the theatre, but Holly decided she was comfortable with Trent coming to her apartment building and picking her up. Of course, she would meet him in the lobby. Their relationship had not reached the level where she was completely comfortable having him come up to her apartment. Trent agreed to meet her at her building and the date was set.
Trent arrived promptly at 9:30 for their movie date. Although they both agreed this would be a casual evening, even in his jeans and t-shirt Trent looked amazing! He greeted Holly with a loving kiss on the cheek, complimented her on how nicely she looked, and they proceeded to the movie theatre.
The conversation on the way to the theatre was comfortable, light hearted, and just what Holly needed. Trent made it easy. He listened attentively when she spoke and laughed at her corny jokes. She found it sexy, arousing, and enticing. She wanted to be able to match wits with the man she was involved with while learning from him at the same time. The mental connection for Holly was very important, even more than the physical… that was just the icing on the cake. Trent was a mind blowing and intellectually erotic and Holly liked it… a lot.
Trent let Holly pick the movie. For him, it didn’t matter what they saw. A dark theatre, cozy close contact, that’s all he was really looking for. Besides, letting her take charge made him look even more like a gentleman.
And the movie was everything Holly imagined it would be. From the outset, she cozied up to him, finding a comfortable place under the muscular arm he wrapped so lovingly around her. She nestled in, taking in the enticing smell of his cologne - spicy with an underscore of something sweet. Holly released the cares and woes of the day and enjoyed the moment the dark theatre and Trent’s warm presence provided. It really didn’t matter what was on the screen. She thought it was sweet he had let her pick the movie. Trent was a true gentleman after all.
Trent had Holly just where he wanted her. He liked the fact she snuggled up against him. Even though she said she wasn’t ready for an intimate relationship, all the signals she was putting out let him know her mouth defied what she really wanted. She wanted him and he knew it. He liked the way she felt nestled up against him; her head resting on his shoulder, the curve of her breast resting against his chest. This was going to be a night she would never forget… of that, Trent was sure.
The couple remained close throughout the movie. Trent made sure to keep Holly physically close to him. He noticed how comfortable she was, how relaxed she was. Whenever he would move, Holly would readjust her body to accommodate his. He liked that… he saw it as a sign of promising things to come.
The movie drew to a close, and Trent knew it was time to make his move. While they awaited the cab to pick them up, Trent made sure to keep Holly close. They held hands and talked casually. As the cab pulled up, Trent opened the door for Holly and before she could step inside, he pulled her close to him, lifted her chin, and kissed her passionately. Holly did not resist. She fell into the kiss, closing her eyes, returning the kiss with as much passion as she received. Again, confirmation for Trent.
Holly was surprised by Trent’s unexpected display of affection. His kiss caught her a little off guard, but she didn’t resist the moment. She wasn’t sure what would happen with the rest of the evening, but she was open to the possibilities. Holly knew this was a risky move. But she put those thoughts quickly out of her head. Nothing would happen if she didn’t want it to. But at the moment, she wasn’t exactly sure of what she wanted. Just relax and go with it, Holly thought to herself. She and Trent remained physically close throughout the taxi ride; reminiscent of the closeness they had just shared in the theatre.
When the cab pulled up to Holly’s apartment, there was a little bit of an awkward moment. Trent knew that Holly wanted to take it slow, but he felt the time was right to make his next move.
“I’m not ready for you to go…” he said, gazing into her eyes.
The intensity of Trent’s unwavering gaze penetrated Holly to her very soul.
“Neither am I,” Holly replied. And with that, the decision was made. No other words were necessary. Trent accompanied Holly into her building, and into the awaiting elevator. Before the door fully closed and the elevator began to make its ascent to the 14 floor, Holly and Trent were entangled in a hot, steamy embrace. He kissed her deeply. She responded… not just with her lips. Her internal heat was rising and her body quivered; nearly collapsing as she succumbed to his strong embrace, penetrating kiss, and the power of his sexual prowess…
The door to the elevator opened, and without missing a beat, Trent and Holly made their way the short distance to her apartment door… never losing contact. Holly fought against the voices in her head that said ‘no’, ‘stop’, and ‘it’s too soon,’ and instead listened to her body screaming out for more.
Fumbling with her purse while trying to get her keys, Holly stopped long enough to unlock the door. Trent never let her go, standing behind her as she inserted the key smoothly into the lock, pressing his growing manhood against her taut body, kissing her on the neck, her ear... Holly couldn’t get the door opened fast enough. The voices in her head were still fighting with the long-suppressed feelings emanating from her body.
Holly dropped her bag and the keys as she pressed the door closed with her back. Trent reached behind her locking the door securely… both still entangled in a hot, titillating kiss. The couple successfully navigated their way to Holly’s living room couch; the light from the moon shining in through Holly’s translucent curtains. Trent sat on the couch and gently pulled Holly down on top of him, his upturned face kissed by the moonlight was so inviting…
She acquiesced to his advances without hesitation, giving into his full seductive lips, teasing her with soft kisses…and then his tongue thrust deeply into her awaiting mouth. Holly’s body visibly shook, convulsing under his tender yet strong touch.
Trent knew he was totally in control of the situation. What little resistance she may have had to his advances had long since dissipated. She was his now and he would give her exactly what she needed, wanted, and more.
The energy between the two was electric. Holly was losing herself in the ecstasy of the moment: not thinking about the hurts of the past… her job… nothing but the beautiful man in front of her making her feel magical. Trent was caressing her in all the right places… areas of her body that hadn’t been lovingly caressed by a man since Derrick. She was getting weaker and weaker by the moment. The little voices in her head speaking to the contrary of what her body was sensing and feeling were getting w
eaker and weaker. Nothing else seemed to matter…
Trent moaned under Holly’s responsiveness. He felt his manhood growing, pulsating with every kiss she so lovingly and voraciously returned to him. He wanted her. He would have her. He had to have her.
‘I can’t believe I’m doing this’… the voice in Holly’s head that had been subverted by the swell of her breast, the arch in her back, poised for his next sensual touch…the libidinous sentiments clouding her judgment, was now breaking through making itself heard.
Holly felt herself rising… Trent, lifting her effortlessly from the couch, moving in the direction of her bedroom.
It was if the transcendental state Holly had been in was broken… the voice gaining strength… reminding her of her commitment to herself… the risk she would be taking…
“I can’t…” it was a whisper… her resistance having little voice of its own.
Trent dismissed her passive ‘no’… she didn’t really mean it; he knew what she really wanted, and he was determined to give it to her… just like she liked it.
“I can’t… Trent…uhm… I can’t,” she uttered…panting… moaning… she wasn’t exactly convinced herself…her body crying out for more... the voice in her head gaining some strength… becoming more persistent…more convincing.
Trent was equally as persistent, touching her in all the right places and failing to hear the meek words escaping from her lips. He moved her closer to the open bedroom door.
The voice in her head began breaking through even more.
Holly began to exert herself, pulling herself away from Trent’s impassioned grasp.
“Trent…Trent…” her real voice gaining strength. “I can’t really… I’m sorry… I can’t.”
The salacious trance he had on her was now broken. Panting… regaining her composure… now ignoring the cries from her womanhood… beckoning…desiring to be acknowledged…
“Holly, please… don’t do this.” Trent urged, trying to recapture the moment that was quickly slipping away from him.
Holly escaped his grasp, their bodies now totally separated for the first time in what felt like a sultry forever.
“I’m sorry Trent, I just can’t,” Holly replied.
He wanted to convince her to let him make love to her, to convince her with more than words that it was the right thing to do. But realizing the momentum had been broken, and trying not to show his disappointment, Trent shook his head in the affirmative, reluctantly acknowledging her resistance.
‘Be cool man, be cool’… ‘It’s just a matter of time before she is all yours… one way or another,’ Trent thought to himself.
After a few moments with the both of them trying to regain their composure, Trent spoke.
“You don’t have to be sorry,” Trent’s breathing becoming more even, regressing from the heightened and aroused state he had been in.
“I understand…”
The moment was awkward… the electricity once supercharging the room now made the room a little tense.
“I don’t know what to say,” Holly spoke, finally breaking the tension filled silence.
Trent knew this was the time to remind her of why she liked him in the first place. He put his feelings on the back burner and responded like the gentleman she believed him to be.
“You don’t have to say anything at all…” he said reassuringly. “Like I said, I understand.”
There was really nothing more to say.
“I’m going to go,” Trent said, giving Holly an innocent kiss on the cheek.
“Okay…” Holly began, again starting to apologize. Trent placed his finger to her lips to silence her apology.
“I’ll talk to you later… I promise,” he said, as he exited the door.
Holly stood by her door for the longest time, trying to decide if she had made the right decision; her mind, heart, and body still not in agreement. She wasn’t quite sure how this would impact their ‘relationship,’ but in her heart of hearts she knew she couldn’t go any further. She really did want the next man she allowed into her sacred place to be the last man… the one she loved without condition… her husband. She wasn’t sure Trent was that man. He could be, but she didn’t know for sure yet.